HDFS 511: Family Theory
Fall, 2006

Instructions:

Answer all questions. Be sure that you read each question
carefully and respond to each part. I will expect you to use course concepts, including
material we discuss in class. Note: each question includes a critical thinking
component: extrapolate on an issue using course material that is not explicitly addressed.
Your response should be typed, double spaced, and consistent with guidelines from the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association (fourth edition).

1.The format for this question is similar to the first two questions. Use
material from chapters one, twenty-three, and twenty-four of the Sourcebook,
Readings 1-4, and material from class lecture to evaluate one life span theory
of family development (e.g., family development theory, life course
perspective). Your critique should demonstrate that you understand the
material by providing a review of the major constructs, assumptions, and
propositions. Use at least six criteria from chapter one as well as other
relevant material to critique the theory that you choose. You should also
explicitly address the ways in which the theory is sensitive to pluralistic
experience (emphasizing race and gender issues) and include suggestions for
improving the theory in that area. To what extent does the theory address
attachment issues? What are the implications of this theory for
attachment? Discuss implications for family policy. Be sure to
provide a discussion of the strengths of the theory that you review.
Option: If you are a doctoral student preparing for prelims, I would strongly
encourage you to identify and locate at least three research articles inspired
by the theory you chose and to briefly summarize aspects of the study that are
consistent with the theory.

2.On the first exam, you identified tools to evaluate theories that you
will now use to critique one theory of resources and power.Use material from chapters one, twenty-three, and twenty-four of the Sourcebook,
Readings 1-4, and material from class lecture to evaluate one theory of
resources and power (e.g., social conflict theory or exchange and
resource theory).Your critique
should demonstrate that you understand the material by providing a review of the
major constructs, assumptions, and propositions.Use at least six criteria from chapter one as well as other
relevant material to critique the theory that you choose.You should also explicitly address the ways in which the theory is
sensitive to pluralistic experience (emphasizing race and gender issues) and
include suggestions for improving the theory in that area.To what extent does the theory address attachment issues?What are the implications of this theory for attachment?Discuss implications for family policy.Be sure to provide a discussion of the strengths of the theory that you
review.Option: If you are a
doctoral student preparing for prelims, I would strongly encourage you to
identify and locate at least three research articles inspired by the theory you
chose and to briefly summarize aspects of the study that are consistent with the
theory.